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The Kitchen Table

If a little is good.....a little more will be better, Right??

16 years ago

NOT....when you are talking about bluing! You would think I would learn....after all...I am 51, and I have done this soooooo many times in my life! :/

I use only white kitchen towels, and I like to 'try' to keep them white! Usually a good bleaching and hanging in the sun, really does well. Well...we haven't had much sun, so I figured I would use bluing this time.

"Hmmm, that doesn't seem like much for the load...I'll add a little more."

Okay...now I have light blue (lovely, by the way!) towels!! So...I will add some bleach to clean that up.

Did you know (as per the website)DO NOT USE BLEACH! Bleach will set the bluing in more permanently. If you have already attempted to remove the excess bluing with bleach, use a solution of 1 C. household ammonia to 1 qt. of cold water and soak, covered tightly for 48-72 hours. You may need to perform this procedure 2-3 times, washing with detergent following each process.

Okay...I now have a kitty litter pail sitting with my 'pretty' light blue towels floating around with ammonia!

Never said I was a quick learner!

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Comments (15)

hayjud_mn
16 years ago
I guess this proves that we all still have a few things to learn! -- OR remember!

Ammonia and bleach are not to be put together -- You DO remember that, right ? ? ?
:o)
User
16 years ago
Wow... look at it this way, you will now have the most super-extremely CLEAN towels ever! Sounds just like something I would do by the way...
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socks
16 years ago
I did that. Unfortunately it was my husband's underwear, not towels. He couldn't figure our why his shorts had blue blotches on them. Hope you can get the towels white again.
OklaMoni
16 years ago
LOL, is all I can add to this. :)

Thanks for the laugh!

Moni
jel48
16 years ago
Good Luck, Sandy! Hope it comes out!
Jasdip
16 years ago
Oh that's funny, Well, to US anyway.
You poor thing. I remember my Nan (we lived with her) always had a little bottle of bluing that she used.

I've never thought of it since. I know it's not a stain remover, but my white bedding is yellowing :( Would it help with that??
NanaCherie
16 years ago
Sandi....I remember my grandma using that when i was a kid....I was just thinking of this the other day wondering if you could still buy it...could you tell me where you found it?
sandy_in_ia
Original Author
16 years ago
Your welcome Moni! LOL Dean just shook his head when I was telling him what I did.

Good news......I just checked the towels, and they are more dingy white than blue! =) I will let them soak for a while longer....and will probably repeat!

I have had this little bottle of bluing for YEARS! I haven't used it in YEARS! And it will be many YEARS before I do again! LOL So I am not sure if you can still buy it or not.

And yes....by the time this is all said and done, those will be THE cleanest towels in Iowa!!! LOL
OklaMoni
16 years ago
nana, she is prolly just like me, and has a bottle in the cupboard. :)

Moni
kayjones
16 years ago
Try soaking the towels in a tub of water, to which you've added 1/2 cup of OxyClean powder - this stuff works miracles!
mom24
16 years ago
I just bought a bottle of bluing last week in Walmart. Mrs. Stewart's brand. I dilute it in water before using so I never had any trouble but I know a little goes a long way!
nicole__
16 years ago
You made me laugh.....good one...
sandy_in_ia
Original Author
16 years ago
I did try the Oxyclean...didn't do much at all! :/ But the ammonia is doing a good job!

Yes..a little DOES go a long way, but you know the saying..."if a little is good, a little more is better"! LOL NOT WITH BLUING! LOL
jannie
16 years ago
I never ever mix chemicals. I've heard horror stories of housewives who hurt their lungs or passed out from doing so.
tami_ohio
16 years ago
Sandy, the bluing is telling you it's time to give those towels to Dean for rags in the garage, and for you to buy new ones for the kitchen!!!! Besides, the fumes from the amonia are bad for you.

Tami

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